Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Bino on October 31, 2009, 12:22:20 PM
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I've noticed recently that when (if? ;) ) I shoot someone down, I am often insulted or threatened via a private message.
So I wonder, does a sense of sportsmanship matter in here anymore?
Also, does using the ".report <player>" command actually accomplish anything?
- bino, missing-the-good-old-days bino
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yes and yes
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When you report a player for misconduct, you should also send in a screenshot and/or film of the incident in question. That way HTC's moderators can investigate the matter properly. If said player gets reported enough times (legitimately), he/she will be punished by HTC by either suspending chat privileges or by some other means deemed appropriate by HTC and their rules.
That said, sportsmanship, by all moral standards, should be upheld in the game. But, as we all have seen, 50% or more of the AH community actually play with good sportsmanship. They give <SALUTES> :salute instead of F-U's on vox and text. Unfortunately, its something we all have to deal with until HTC comes up with a better system of vox/text blocking.
Don't let it get you down. Life is full of little salamanders, sometimes we get the flower, other times we get the thorns.
SALUTE
DasChewy :joystick: :airplane: :joystick:
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The ones who will send you an insulting pm or, even better, tune you on vox and cuss you out, are a vocal minotirty that you should just laugh at and keep killing them. Nothing shows ownage more than some guy tuning you and flipping out because you've just handed him his ass. You must be doing something right to get that response.
<S>
:aok
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I've noticed recently that when (if? ;) ) I shoot someone down, I am often insulted or threatened via a private message.
So I wonder, does a sense of sportsmanship matter in here anymore?
Also, does using the ".report <player>" command actually accomplish anything?
- bino, missing-the-good-old-days bino
True theres been a rise lately in this type of behaviour I've noticed that as well + a general lack of humour or realisation that its only a game at the end of the day. Just film it and send it in, clearly if other people think its the norm for this to happen they will also start doing this sort of thing so its best to make a point of sending it in.
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It seems that we are getting more Xbox Live players now. "You killed me! Rather than admit it was my fault or me having less skill or even luck, I'm going to blame it on m controller that I just bought today after blaming the last 29 ones, and call you the most impoilte names I can think of."
I'm glad I joined AHII just in time to see the times when everyone was nice to all, and we all just had fun. :aok
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I've noticed recently that when (if? ;) ) I shoot someone down, I am often insulted or threatened via a private message.
Just take such whines as a bonus. It is actually a praise, just like getting accused of cheating :aok
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Just take such whines as a bonus. It is actually a praise, just like getting accused of cheating :aok
This :aok
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You just have to PM them back,and say..I am sorry CUPCAKE,would you like some cheeze with that whine?? :banana:
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Just use the report and then squelch them and you know that does accomplish something. :D
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Sportsmanship should always matter, ANONYMOUS OR NOT. Those that spew insults and hide in their anonymity are most likely pretty meek outside of Aces High.
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I've noticed recently that when (if? ;) ) I shoot someone down, I am often insulted or threatened via a private message.
So I wonder, does a sense of sportsmanship matter in here anymore?
Also, does using the ".report <player>" command actually accomplish anything?
- bino, missing-the-good-old-days bino
sportsmanship does matter.
the .report works well too. i've used it.
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The ones who will send you an insulting pm or, even better, tune you on vox and cuss you out, are a vocal minotirty that you should just laugh at and keep killing them. Nothing shows ownage more than some guy tuning you and flipping out because you've just handed him his ass. You must be doing something right to get that response.
I must be doing something wrong, as I never have people pissed at me for killing them anymore. :cry :cry :cry
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you can squelch them, but before you know it, they're back.
Need Perma-squelch!~
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S!
what Stang said :aok
S!
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I never leave PMs. I just brand them on 200, and hopefully, it makes them a better fighter when they come out of it.
<S>
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The ones who will send you an insulting pm or, even better, tune you on vox and cuss you out, are a vocal minotirty that you should just laugh at and keep killing them. Nothing shows ownage more than some guy tuning you and flipping out because you've just handed him his ass. You must be doing something right to get that response.
<S>:aok
haha... couldnt say it any better! +1 :lol
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You just have to PM them back,and say..I am sorry CUPCAKE,would you like some cheeze with that whine?? :banana:
I need to start PM'ing you. I go all weak at the knee when you call me Cupcake.
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Sportsmanship matters. That being said, the only one I can control is me. If someone wants to get that worked up over a cartoon airplane flight sim, they've probably got a lot more problems then what I can help them with :)
The second I start finding myself getting serious about what's going on while I'm flying my cartoon 38 is when I log off for the night. It just doesn't matter enough to get angry about :)
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I must be doing something wrong, as I never have people pissed at me for killing them anymore. :cry :cry :cry
Same here. Although such a statement probably is more noteworthy coming from grizz.
I agree that abusive behavior shouldn't be tolerated. This includes excessive profanity and threats.
Whines indicate a lack of maturity and inability to accept responsibility. Does it matter? Personally I don't care if somebody whines about e.g., the time I HOed them in my A8 vs his Zero. Sometimes I'll try to educate him on the reasoning. Most of the time, I just take whines as they are - a signal to me to laugh at the poor sod's ignorance and dismiss him from consideration as a potential teammate. To me, whines are not in any way unacceptable. To paraphrase a squaddie "It reveals much more than they know."
Finally, prodding and egging on - that's just part of the game. "If your enemy angers easily, seek to irritate him". It's a legitimate tactic of war that benefits the levelheaded and punishes the rash and impulsive. This is essentially the reason people call Runstang or Run90. Many would call this poor sportsmanship; I call it psychological warfare. This is one point I probably differ from the majority on.
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I think it does.
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Well I don't know about this.... :old:
I mean all the CHEATER MEANY BULLYS! :furious
Lets see JB11 is one n Shuffler is one n the entire AK squad, and...................... :t :t
And all the kill stealer's! :furious
Like WMLute, n Skyhawk, n WMPac, n Spacer, n Karaya, n WMSol, n ...................... :t :t
A guys gotta protest this kinda activity! :x :neener: :neener: :neener: :bolt:
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Sportsmanship matters. That being said, the only one I can control is me. If someone wants to get that worked up over a cartoon airplane flight sim, they've probably got a lot more problems then what I can help them with :)
The second I start finding myself getting serious about what's going on while I'm flying my cartoon 38 is when I log off for the night. It just doesn't matter enough to get angry about :)
Wise words. Guppy's right, just take the high road and hope that some of the others will learn from you.
I was balled out once for being at alt in a bomber by a kid (1/2 leet speak..1/2 IM speak ) I returned with "is it REALLY that important?" & "would you say that to someone you know in RL?" After a few minutes he returned with "ur rite , sry". So I guess I figure that if even a small part of that type can be made to realize , then its not as bad as we would think it is overall.
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Finally, prodding and egging on - that's just part of the game. "If your enemy angers easily, seek to irritate him". It's a legitimate tactic of war that benefits the levelheaded and punishes the rash and impulsive. This is essentially the reason people call Runstang or Run90. Many would call this poor sportsmanship; I call it psychological warfare. This is one point I probably differ from the majority on.
This is in no way more gentlemanly or acceptable than calling someone a "haxxor" or cursing them after they win a fair fight. This is in fact is NOT war, thus the quote you are using is highly inappropriate. If the well being of yourself, your country, your family, ANYTHING like that were riding on this game, would it be appropriate to use this "psychological warfare" you speak of on fellow players? Yes, but equally appropriate would be hacking the game, or planting a bomb under your opponent's computer desk. ;)
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Finally, prodding and egging on - that's just part of the game. "If your enemy angers easily, seek to irritate him". It's a legitimate tactic of war that benefits the levelheaded and punishes the rash and impulsive. This is essentially the reason people call Runstang or Run90. Many would call this poor sportsmanship; I call it psychological warfare. This is one point I probably differ from the majority on.
The thing is, we have some data. Precisely this sort of behavior came very close to destroying the Axis v. Allies arena.
- oldman
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The thing is, we have some data. Precisely this sort of behavior came very close to destroying the Axis v. Allies arena.
- oldman
You sure about that?
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You sure about that?
Yup.
- oldman
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Finally, prodding and egging on - that's just part of the game. "If your enemy angers easily, seek to irritate him". It's a legitimate tactic of war that benefits the levelheaded and punishes the rash and impulsive. This is essentially the reason people call Runstang or Run90. Many would call this poor sportsmanship; I call it psychological warfare. This is one point I probably differ from the majority on.
i REALLY hope you don't mean this.
that kind of crap is for kids. both old and young.
if the guy running in the 190 or the stang is running....then forget 200. turn away, and give up the chase. you'll be surprised how fast you'll have a fight on your hands.
calling him names isn't good sportsmanship......it doesn't really qualify as sportsmanship at all. it just makes ya a schmuck.
you're sounding like the kind that chases people out of one arena into another..... :noid :bolt:
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Sure, it all matters, yeah it's a game, one should have fun. Regardless of how you end your flight, without other players you would fly alone, or not at all. What I love about this game is YOU are the only one responsible if you land or die. I think most player know this, others are learning. But my point is, without other players we don't have a game to play.
With any group of people there are some that seem hell bent on ruining it for everyone else. But a "good" player can ignore the bad losers. It's just like a HO, you can go in guns blazing or turn away, it's up to you.
I have the utmost respect for any player that I fight, win or loose and have always felt that way.
Example->>>. When I just started flying AH, particular player that I HOed a couple of times went at me on 200, on and on he went. Just the other day I saved his bacon, or at least took advantage of his epic drag, he said thanks when I told him he was clear. Just another day in AH...
<S>
~kc
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It seems that we are getting more Xbox Live players now. "You killed me! Rather than admit it was my fault or me having less skill or even luck, I'm going to blame it on m controller that I just bought today after blaming the last 29 ones, and call you the most impoilte names I can think of."
I'm glad I joined AHII just in time to see the times when everyone was nice to all, and we all just had fun. :aok
when the heck was "every one nice to each other..."??????????(never been like that, except when they paid by the hour, and I bet even then there were the sore losers)
ive been here quite awhile and there have always been tards who complain about others playing style.(or plane choice)
but that's just it, they are tards and deserve no respect at all.
to the OP yes sportsmanship definitely matters :aok :aok
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Part of the reason for the insults is that people do not realize that proper wingman tactics are merely ganging and picking in an organized fashion. I still have trouble remembering that.
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Part of the reason for the insults is that people do not realize that proper wingman tactics are merely ganging and picking in an organized fashion. I still have trouble remembering that.
Aint this the truth.
Rob53: "Shamus, I'm gonna rope this guy, don't miss him ya putz!!!"
Shamus: "Oh goody goody, I shall do my best fair wingman!!!!" holds the cannon button down till empty........
ded guy: "nothin but gawwwd dammmm pickers around here :cry
shamus
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Aint this the truth.
Rob53: "Shamus, I'm gonna rope this guy, don't miss him ya putz!!!"
Shamus: "Oh goody goody, I shall do my best fair wingman!!!!" holds the cannon button down till empty........
ded guy: "nothin but gawwwd dammmm pickers around here :cry
shamus
well, quite often, they ARE pickers.
i was having a blast fighting shuffler a few days ago. i was losing, but it was fun....i was actually making him work(i think) for the kill.
then some dork named bruiser comes outta nowhere in his spit9, and picks him. was a crappy ending to a fun fight.
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Part of the reason for the insults is that people do not realize that proper wingman tactics are merely ganging and picking in an organized fashion. I still have trouble remembering that.
What does it matter to the gangee/pickee how organized it was?
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"Does sportsmaship matter? .....YES its the only thing that really matters!
999000 <S>
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"Does sportsmaship matter? .....YES its the only thing that really matters!
999000 <S>
fun matters too. :aok
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Just take such whines as a bonus. It is actually a praise, just like getting accused of cheating :aok
QFT
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I've noticed recently that when (if? ;) ) I shoot someone down, I am often insulted or threatened via a private message.
So I wonder, does a sense of sportsmanship matter in here anymore?
Also, does using the ".report <player>" command actually accomplish anything?
- bino, missing-the-good-old-days bino
Yes it does, won't attack an already taken target, don't shoot parachutes, don't vulche, hell, I barely use that .speed 120 thing, and only when its clear the other guy is using it (P-51 vs P-51 and his almost triples my climb rate).
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if the guy running in the 190 or the stang is running....then forget 200. turn away, and give up the chase. you'll be surprised how fast you'll have a fight on your hands.
calling him names isn't good sportsmanship......it doesn't really qualify as sportsmanship at all. it just makes ya a schmuck.
you're sounding like the kind that chases people out of one arena into another..... :noid :bolt:
Ok, since I seem to have struck up some controversy, it looks like I'm going to have to clarify my position.
First off, I typically don't taunt runners or anybody for that matter. I rarely even tune to 200. You might find it weird that I condone such behavior but don't engage in it... keep reading for explanation.
Egging the runner on using 200 is within the rules (as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong). Placing a bomb, hacking (as BnZ mentioned), abusive cursing and threatening, on the other hand are NOT. Some are illegal, some are just rules enforced by HTC (good rules in my opinion).
Assuming I'm correct that non-abusive taunting on 200 is within the rules, then whoever employs such a tactic is legitimately (within the defined rules of the game) playing to win. It may offend your sensibilities because it's socially unacceptable, ungentlemanly, etc. But if one wants purely to win (within the rules), then one will use every effective tactic.
The reason I don't engage in it myself is simple. I'm not playing to win, I'm playing to have fun. What the fooook do I end up winning anyways? Some recognition on the front page? The social cost of such taunting (possibly losing friends etc) is not worth my possible gain of some lackluster fame.
However silly I think it is to "play to win" in this game, I won't ever knock somebody who does. It's an aggressive mindset that I believe has a place, no matter how stupid it is to engage in it for something like a cartoon war and some frontpage recognition. It's his 15 dollars after all.
If YOU are the one who's vulnerable to getting angry (and I mean real anger, not disappointment at lack of sportsmanship) at being taunted in this way, I suggest you examine your own level of maturity. Why? It shows that you can't stand being viewed as a coward by a cartoon adversary.
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The thing is, we have some data. Precisely this sort of behavior came very close to destroying the Axis v. Allies arena.
Good point. In the case of AvA I wouldn't condone such behavior - the numbers are small and the priorities at the top of the AvA list are clearly immersion first and "winning" a distant second.
Why the difference between MA and AvA attitude on my part? The acceptability of such behavior depends entirely upon your goals. Are you playing to win or are you playing to have a social hour that you prefer to win, but with winning a definite low priority? If you are purely playing to win, then one less competitor brings you that much closer to winning. If one can achieve this by means of social aggression (within the limitations of the rules), then that is a legitimate option. The risk, of course, is alienating your fellow players, and in extreme cases driving so many people out of the game that it is no longer meaningful to win. Since it could be bad for business, HTC may choose to ban such behavior, although I find it difficult to effectively police.
Personally that is not my mindset in Aces High and it's usually not be in the best social interest, but the presence of such a mindset is simply a feature of any competitive environment.
You may revile it, rail against it, etc, but why not simply learn to ignore the taunts and shoot the other guy down? In the end, that is the ultimate "counter". Inability to meaningfully ignore the taunts shows psychological weakness on the part of the taunted and let's not forget that psychology does play large part in our combat hops. Greed kills more often than ACM.
Is it good sportsmanship? No. But sportsmanship is a social ideal, not a competitive restriction. So - would you rather everybody like you or would you rather gain an edge on the competition? It's a tradeoff, a calculated risk based on what you value most in this game, nothing more.
The people that have posted here supporting good sportsmanship clearly lean towards the "social benefit" end of the spectrum. I respect you for that and I agree. That's how I conduct myself.
The people who taunt clearly lean towards "playing to win." I respect them for that (as long as it's kept out of struggling areas like the AvA), but I disagree and find the pursuit rather silly.
Edit: the guys who don't taunt and still win - well you are just that much better than the taunters and I salute you for your skill.
Edit edit: So does it matter? Yes, if you want others to like you. Yes, if you want to foster a positive and encouraging environment for everybody to learn and fly in. No, if all you want to do is win.
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Egging the runner on using 200 is within the rules (as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong). Placing a bomb, hacking (as BnZ mentioned), abusive cursing and threatening, on the other hand are NOT. Some are illegal, some are just rules enforced by HTC (good rules in my opinion).
Nice try, but being unpleasant to your adversary during a game, even thought it may be standard these days, is a sign of just how low our culture has sunk. I can't blame you when its all you see out of sports and what have you these days, but it is still wrong. My wry comment about the bomb was simply to illustrate how profoundly AHII is NOT war.
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Ok, since I seem to have struck up some controversy, it looks like I'm going to have to clarify my position.
First off, I typically don't taunt runners or anybody for that matter. I rarely even tune to 200. You might find it weird that I condone such behavior but don't engage in it... keep reading for explanation.
Egging the runner on using 200 is within the rules (as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong). Placing a bomb, hacking (as BnZ mentioned), abusive cursing and threatening, on the other hand are NOT. Some are illegal, some are just rules enforced by HTC (good rules in my opinion).
Assuming I'm correct that non-abusive taunting on 200 is within the rules, then whoever employs such a tactic is legitimately (within the defined rules of the game) playing to win. It may offend your sensibilities because it's socially unacceptable, ungentlemanly, etc. But if one wants purely to win (within the rules), then one will use every effective tactic.
The reason I don't engage in it myself is simple. I'm not playing to win, I'm playing to have fun. What the fooook do I end up winning anyways? Some recognition on the front page? The social cost of such taunting (possibly losing friends etc) is not worth my possible gain of some lackluster fame.
However silly I think it is to "play to win" in this game, I won't ever knock somebody who does. It's an aggressive mindset that I believe has a place, no matter how stupid it is to engage in it for something like a cartoon war and some frontpage recognition. It's his 15 dollars after all.
If YOU are the one who's vulnerable to getting angry (and I mean real anger, not disappointment at lack of sportsmanship) at being taunted in this way, I suggest you examine your own level of maturity. Why? It shows that you can't stand being viewed as a coward by a cartoon adversary.
see the problem with that though......is those that are running, are doing nothing but laughing at you as you taunt them. the only way to generally get thjem to turn, is for you to show em your tail.
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Nice try, but being unpleasant to your adversary during a game, even thought it may be standard these days, is a sign of just how low our culture has sunk. I can't blame you when its all you see out of sports and what have you these days, but it is still wrong. My wry comment about the bomb was simply to illustrate how profoundly AHII is NOT war.
i've been noticing a lot less bad banter on 200 and open in mw lately.......... :aok
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Some use "it's a game" to excuse their poor sportsmanship. I think sportsmanship does matter in everything you do.
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Good sportsmanship and gentlemanly behavior works wonders. :aok
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Good sportsmanship is like chosing not to lie. You might think at first it's only benifiting others but in the end your soul is empty, it's for your own enjoyment.
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Some use "it's a game" to excuse their poor sportsmanship. I think sportsmanship does matter in everything you do.
+1
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bahhh sportsmanship is for athletics...this is real war here!!!
:noid
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So I wonder, does a sense of sportsmanship matter in here anymore?
Does for me.
Cant answer for the rest; only observe.
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Some use "it's a game" to excuse their poor sportsmanship. I think sportsmanship does matter in everything you do.
+1
+2
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Nice try, but being unpleasant to your adversary during a game, even thought it may be standard these days, is a sign of just how low our culture has sunk ... My wry comment about the bomb was simply to illustrate how profoundly AHII is NOT war.
You are right about how AH2 is NOT war - I should have thought about my choice of words in my first post.
For the rest, See my second post. Again, it's just a matter of your priorities. Are you here to make friends? Or are you here to win at all (legitimate) costs? And again, being within the rules is what separates taunting from bomb placing and hacking. It may be equally unpleasant, but one is legal, the other two are not.
That is the rational analysis. Any statements of being "wrong" or "it's how low our culture has sunk" are just moralizing, and everybody has a different set of standards.
In fact, such backlash against "win-at-all" costs behavior is probably the result of your personal preference for the social aspect of this game. This is what you are here for (and apparently how you conduct yourself in life) so in order to protect those ideals, you feel it necessary to condemn the "playing to win" mentality.
see the problem with that though......is those that are running, are doing nothing but laughing at you as you taunt them. the only way to generally get thjem to turn, is for you to show em your tail.
How effective taunting is arguable. I tend to agree with you. If I'm the runner and I'm taunted, I'm just as you described - I'm laughing.
That of course isn't the point - it's the attitude involved, the "win at all costs" mentality.
I can't blame you when its all you see out of sports and what have you these days, but it is still wrong.
Nope, the conflict we're having here of "playing to win" and "sportsmanship" is present in virtually every game community. It was present in the chess community of the 1800s. Howard Staunton, a chess columnist for a London newspaper, would frequently abuse his editorial paper to "trash-talk" his opponents. Apparently Staunton would use every conceivable out-of-game advantage he could including making his opponent sit facing the sun. It may be more prevalent today, sure.
The funny thing is, trash-talking relies on a big population that believes in sportsmanship and gentlemanliness. Trash talking gets the friendly guys angry, makes them denounce the trash talkers, etc etc, just like in this thread. And that is precisely how it works, drawing (negative) attention to the trash talkers but also clouding the judgement of the sportsmanship crowd. They feed off the attention and the irritation they cause.
Random pop culture reference: remember in Return of the Jedi where Darth Vader taunts Luke into a rage? Even though Luke beats the snot out of Vader with his anger, the taunting had its intended effect - Luke was now angry and on the verge of converting to the dark side.
As I outlined in my second post... it's pretty simple:
Are you here to make friends or are you here to win at all (legitimate) costs? If you are here to win, are you good enough that you don't need to resort to "bad sportsmanship"?
Answer those two questions about any person, and you'll know how they'll behave in regards to this issue.
Personally, I'm here to make friends, with winning a secondary consideration. When I meet the taunters, I steer clear, squelch etc. But I never try to take the moral high ground to say that my way is the "right way" or that it's "wrong" for them to do it.
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Some use "it's a game" to excuse their poor sportsmanship. I think sportsmanship does matter in everything you do.
OH SURE! uuummm hmmmmm sure..... :O
Say's the EEEEEE-VVIILLLEEE person that shot at poor defenseless, gentle, sweet, kind, lovable, slightly better lookin them Shuffler, wrag -> :angel:
LOL always fun fights Sir :salute
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"Does sportsmaship matter? .....YES its the only thing that really matters!
999000 <S>
Says the BOMBER BULLY!!! :O
Beware!!! He will shot you down! :cry
He's another one of those CHEATER MEANIE BULLIES! :eek:
Had some great fights Sir :salute
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:rofl
Always wrag always <S>
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Lots of great comments, folks. Thanks! :salute
As you can likely tell, sportsmanship matters to me, and it's encouraging to find that I'm not alone in that.
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Does for me.
Cant answer for the rest; only observe.
What have you observed? <Casts fishing line out>
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I'm not here to "win at all costs" and neither are you. Do you always fly the "best" plane you can get into the most advantageous circumstances? Or do you try to have a modicum of enjoyment in your plane choice and engagement practices? Sure, I like to win, but win through skill or at least luck, not through taunting some noob in a Pony to turn with my Spit. The friends I've made in this game ARE the best part, and unless someone is really pushing me, I have no desire for ANYONE to walk away from an AH session peeved off or otherwise feeling negative. Enough of that in the world, thank you.
You are right about how AH2 is NOT war - I should have thought about my choice of words in my first post.
For the rest, See my second post. Again, it's just a matter of your priorities. Are you here to make friends? Or are you here to win at all (legitimate) costs? And again, being within the rules is what separates taunting from bomb placing and hacking. It may be equally unpleasant, but one is legal, the other two are not.
That is the rational analysis. Any statements of being "wrong" or "it's how low our culture has sunk" are just moralizing, and everybody has a different set of standards.
In fact, such backlash against "win-at-all" costs behavior is probably the result of your personal preference for the social aspect of this game. This is what you are here for (and apparently how you conduct yourself in life) so in order to protect those ideals, you feel it necessary to condemn the "playing to win" mentality.
How effective taunting is arguable. I tend to agree with you. If I'm the runner and I'm taunted, I'm just as you described - I'm laughing.
That of course isn't the point - it's the attitude involved, the "win at all costs" mentality.
Nope, the conflict we're having here of "playing to win" and "sportsmanship" is present in virtually every game community. It was present in the chess community of the 1800s. Howard Staunton, a chess columnist for a London newspaper, would frequently abuse his editorial paper to "trash-talk" his opponents. Apparently Staunton would use every conceivable out-of-game advantage he could including making his opponent sit facing the sun. It may be more prevalent today, sure.
The funny thing is, trash-talking relies on a big population that believes in sportsmanship and gentlemanliness. Trash talking gets the friendly guys angry, makes them denounce the trash talkers, etc etc, just like in this thread. And that is precisely how it works, drawing (negative) attention to the trash talkers but also clouding the judgement of the sportsmanship crowd. They feed off the attention and the irritation they cause.
Random pop culture reference: remember in Return of the Jedi where Darth Vader taunts Luke into a rage? Even though Luke beats the snot out of Vader with his anger, the taunting had its intended effect - Luke was now angry and on the verge of converting to the dark side.
As I outlined in my second post... it's pretty simple:
Are you here to make friends or are you here to win at all (legitimate) costs? If you are here to win, are you good enough that you don't need to resort to "bad sportsmanship"?
Answer those two questions about any person, and you'll know how they'll behave in regards to this issue.
Personally, I'm here to make friends, with winning a secondary consideration. When I meet the taunters, I steer clear, squelch etc. But I never try to take the moral high ground to say that my way is the "right way" or that it's "wrong" for them to do it.
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The friends I've made in this game ARE the best part, and unless someone is really pushing me, I have no desire for ANYONE to walk away from an AH session peeved off or otherwise feeling negative. Enough of that in the world, thank you.
A double thumbs up! :aok :aok
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Hmm... I'm beginning to refine my views on this.
A core following of positive sportsmanlike players/competitors is essential for the survival and health of any game community. A "play-to-win" mentality isn't. However, I don't believe we can eliminate that mentality, nor should we seek its elimination either.
Think about the extremes - nobody is nice to each other in game (driving lots of potential players away) or everybody is nice (everybody is comfortable with their skills and don't seek to improve them). Seems like we should seek an equilibrium, one that leans towards sportsmanship, but preserves some amount of the hardcore play-to-win attitude.
Slightly off topic:
In other games I've played among my friends, the best players have occasionally gone so far as to dumb down their own play so the worst players can keep up and there is some semblance of competition. This is one example of being "too nice" (insofar in that it has exceeded sportsmanship requirements) and I would much rather have one trash talker in every 10 players than have everybody too nice - it dramatically slows down the evolution of the game. After all, while my main priority may be to make friends/have fun, I can't neglect that a huge part of the enjoyment comes from the challenge of air combat - flying my best and seeing what results. If it didn't, I would be engaging in purely social activities rather than trying to saddle up on Spits.
For me, that's where I draw the line of "being nice". I can keep my mouth shut just fine, give salutes just fine, but dumbing down my flying so a noob doesn't ragequit is going too far.
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I think Im missing the link between talking garbage, and playing to win. I know players who play to win, and don't act like the ones that the OP is talking about.
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I think Im missing the link between talking garbage, and playing to win. I know players who play to win, and don't act like the ones that the OP is talking about.
If you call someone a banana peel and an empty milk carton is that garbage talk? :D
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I think Im missing the link between talking garbage, and playing to win. I know players who play to win, and don't act like the ones that the OP is talking about.
+1
Well said that man, it's about playing to win with sportsmanship vs playing to win at any cost. And its not for the enemy, it's for your own satisfaction.
Don't believe that? Then show me a bad sportsman who is also good at flying this game that doesn't end up getting bored and quiting.